The most memorable park in Ocala! I have to admit I did not see it all so I will be going back…read moreshortly to see so much more. I was at peace just walking a bit sipping coffee and taking in the calm and beauty. There is much to see at Shalom Park it's very beautiful place to be. When I was there they were having a yoga class it was so nice to see. I walked around and spoke to some lovely people they mostly were enjoying some morning exercise. I'm sorry that I missed the zen garden but this just gives me an excuse to go back faster. It's obvious that many frequent this park for so many reasons you can easily see. It's lovely, peaceful, clean and you feel pretty safe comparatively. They have activities here from what I've read and the yoga class is proof of this but I think there is much more that I need to explore and check the calendar for to see and know for myself. There are 2 miles of trails, the zen garden, an area called the Labryrinth where you can take a physical, spiritual or meditative walk along its winding path. Stop along it's 24 points of reflection and create your own Labryinth experience. Labryinth's have one way in and one way out come in and form your own perspective enjoying this relaxed atmosphere. The Pergebo was magnificent as I felt so much happiness being there. It is part gazebo and part pergola, I didn't even know such a thing existed until now! It's covered in confederate jasmine and blossoms in the spring with tiny white fragrant flowers. This is located on the path at the end of the olive trees! I enjoyed the pond so much with all the beautiful fish and sounds of the falling water. You can feed the fish and see them all come at once jumping out at you. Gorgeous Koi such beautiful colors. Sit on a bench and relax if you'd like there are many all around the park for you to enjoy. They say the pavilion is often used for educational purposes and horticulture events and that there are often presentations that people can escape the sun or rain showers. The stage is where I had seen the yoga class taking place. They have weddings, live concerts, the parks sunset series and much more on the stage throughout the year. Mounted on the stage, The Peace Panels display quotes of peace by renowned authors, musicians, and political leaders! The olive tree promenade has 18 trees on each side 18 is the symbol of peace; the number 18 is the symbol of life,and many couples use this as their entry way for marriage. The formal gardens is an area where there is lot's of live large oak trees, colorful bushes and lot's of foliage all around in a nice quiet shaded atmosphere. People often gather here for a picnic, wedding or just to enjoy and relax and enjoy the environment. The bat house can hold 800 bats during the night. Bats are a natural way of achieving insect control in the park and each bat can consume 6-8,000 insect every night! There is so much more to see and encounter at Shalom Park I encourage you to visit and explore. The story of Shalom Park from their website: As with most great achievements, Sholom Park began as a vision, born in the hearts of Sidney and Ina Colen. Inspired by a visit to Boston Gardens, Sholom Park was created for a purpose; to provide a place where the pursuit of inner peace and learning may be enhanced and enjoyed. The park was named after Sidney Colen's grandfather, Sholom, which is also the Hebrew word for peace. The park does not serve a political or religious agenda or belief system After years of conceptualizing the vision, a master plan for the park was developed in 1999 and the park concepts began to take shape. In 2001, horticulturist, Steve Curl was hired to oversee the final design and construction of Sholom Park as the vision came to life. On October 17, 2004, Sholom Park celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting along with hundreds of friends and supporters. Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM Address: 7110 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34481 Phone: 352) 854-3677 Email: info@sholompark.org Wheelchair accessible *** Bike racks available ***

Wow! WoW! Wow! I think this park is profoundly under the radar and simply not well known enough…read more This isn't just some playground with a path. In fact, there is no playground equipment at all. What it does offer, though, is everything one could want in a natural setting. You can walk for a little while or lose yourself in it for much longer. The paths are easy, accessible, and thoughtfully laid out, with enough variation to keep things interesting from start to finish. It never feels repetitive, which is rare. The labyrinth was genuinely enjoyable, with multiple points of interest throughout. Subtle shifts in sound and visual texture keep you engaged, yet everything remains grounded in simple nature, shaped by the hands of men.. nothing artificial or forced, just an intentional design that draws you in. The crowning glory moment for me was the Zen garden. I cannot remember the last time I felt that level of calm and stillness. It has a way of centering you almost immediately. I would have stayed longer, but I needed a restroom, which unfortunately was closed at the time. This is a place I will return to without hesitation. My mother has yet to see it, and I already know she is going to love it.

Ocala Park Estates Community Park is a small park in a neighborhood that is overall a nice enough…read morepark. It has a few parking spots, four to be exact (and one is handicapped parking). It has a nice enough pavilion with three benches under it and a children's playground (designed for children two t twelve years of age, at least according to the sign). Overall, it is a nice enough park.

Veteran's Park at OTOW offers many varied outdoor activities. It's "inside the fence", so you need…read moreto live here to use it. The park has dedicated space and equipment for archery, corn hole, shuffleboard, basketball, pavillion with grills and picnic tables. Also a large dog park and plenty of parking for cars and gold carts. This is a clean park with restrooms and water fountains.

A small oasis in an industrial area of Ocala. It is not a big park by any means, but it offers a…read morepeaceful getaway from the day to day stress and let's you exhale the stress of the daily ground and relax. The trees here are a stunning canopy over the property, allowing the sun to peak through and let's visitors choose to bask in the sun or revel in the shade. There is a small lake, a children's playground, and clean restrooms. I was happy that I stumbled across this little park. Sometimes a wrong turn can prove to be a blessing and this was certainly one of those times.

Another spot of beautiful nature in Wild Florida…read more I love going on nature hikes, and this trail has plenty of wildlife and plants to see. Even with the paths seeming wild and free, they're easy to follow and I wasn't afraid of getting lost.

I drove through here on the way home from the Panhandle. It reminded me of what I thought Florida…read morewas like when I was a child growing up in Massachusetts. Forrests and springs, fishing, canoeing, swimming, and yes, gators. There are over 400,000 acres in the Ocala National Forest. It needs more than one visit to fully explore this wonder. There are many opportunities for camping and backpacking. I want to come back soon to go on a nature hike. Like Dave O. says, this is the wilderness so don't be naive. You must go in prepared with water, protein snacks, and emergency supplies. This is not Disney, this is the real Florida adventure.

This park is located next to the Marion County Public Library. It is a grim reminder but the price…read moreof freedom it's often severe. We must remember these selfless souls who gave their lives so that we may live free. It is a peaceful place, a place to reflect pain to remember. Is a place to give thanks to people who laid down their lives in the belief in the world can be a better place and that this world is worth fighting for. That freedom is worth fighting for. It is not a big pork periods however the meaning behind it is grandiose. The fact that we will remember and be forever grateful for those who chose in a single moments the good of others over there very own life. It is humbling to walk impark similar to this. In the course of our daily grinds it is easy to forgets and be thankful for the very fact that we live free. We live free because so many didn't get a chance to live their full lives. I'm grateful for my visit here. I am grateful to these people, who I never knew nor do I have any family connection to oh, and the sacrifice they gave.

Came here for memorial day after the morning ceremonies. What a lovely location, it's situated near…read moreother government offices but in a quiet area that lends to the serenity. The benches scattered throughout were perfect for my 88 yr old dad (w walker) to take sitting breaks. I learned alot & while there were maybe 20 other people at the same time as us we never felt crowded or bothered. Come sit read walk learn..whatever you like. An absolute gem to check out. Never take for granted our freedom was earned on the backs of these heroes!

This small and and quaint County Park is an excellent place to take your morning or evening walk…read morewith your fur baby (RioTheBorzoi). The park itself is nestled in between two apartment complexes (Steeple and Tuscany Place) and contains two lakes with continuous streaming fountains, benches and amazing amount of shade by gorgeous pine and oak trees with Spanish moss. The terrain can be challenging depending which route you take and provides that serenity and peacefulness you are looking for on your walk. The park walking configuration is about 1.0 mile if you walk the perimeter of the lakes and all their cross paths (see pictures). You will see an abundance of wild life such as ducks, geese, ibises, squirrels and rabbits through out the park. It is open daily from Sunrise to Sunset. You cannot go wrong with this place and hope to see you there! Cheers

So the City of Ocala Parks Dept in Florida finally put trash cans and dog leash signs at Polly…read morePalmer Park (see photo) and you still have lazy people who throw their trash in the lake or in the trail (see photo).

Jervey Gantt Park as a multitude of athletic fields upon its property. It also has a nice paved…read morewalking area that allows you to walk in a quiet area and, at least when I was here, it appears to be a pretty safe place. I would say that the multitude of athletic fields are probably why most people come here. They all appear very well maintained and overall this was a pretty positive experience. While I would not recommend coming here if you are looking more for a park type environments, these sport fields I am sure are very well received by the community. Again, if you're looking more for a park where you can hang out and chill, this is probably not the place. However, this serves the community well with all these sport fields and I'm sure that the neighbors and community love it. For that I am giving it five stars.

I come here (almost) everyday. It's peaceful and has lots of space. There's about two miles of…read morepaved trail. I tend to weave around the park multiple times. The park will stay lit till around 10pm; so you can run after dark.